Home Minister Tito Karnavian (left) pins a badge to Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf (second left) during the inauguration of Aceh governor and deputy governor in Banda Aceh on Feb. 12. Tito inaugurated Muzakir and his deputy Fadhlullah (second right) as the province's gubernatorial pair after they won the province's regional head election in November 2024. - Photo: Antara file
JAKARTA: The Home Ministry’s recent decision to place four long-disputed islands under North Sumatra’s administration despite competing claims from Aceh has sparked tension between the two provinces, with critics accusing the move of being politically motivated.
On April 25, the Home Ministry issued a decree declaring Lipan Island, Panjang Island, Mangkir Besar Island and Mangkir Kecil Island, located along the border between Central Tapanuli Regency in North Sumatra and Aceh Singkil Regency in Aceh, as part of North Sumatra.
